Waterbury's Sheryl Lee Ralph Set for Palace For Song and Sweet Inspiration

Tony Award-nominated actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, a Waterbury native and award-winning actress, singer, activist and author, returns to her hometown and the Palace Theater, 100 E. Main St. for an inspirational speaking engagement, musical performance and book signing Friday, Aug. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Ralph earned a Tony nomination for her performance as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of the musical "Dreamgirls."

In addition to performing, Ralph will also sign copies of her book, "Redefining DIVA," described as "an enthusiastic memoir" chronicling her role in "Dreamgirls,", as well as her longtime Hollywood career, various humanitarian projects and inspirational message regarding the redefinition and embrace of the label “D.I.V.A.” (as "Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed").

On TV, she starred in her own series, "New Attitude," the George Foreman series "George," "Designing Women, and "Moesha." Films include "Sister Act II," "The Flintstones," "The Mighty Quinn" with Denzel Washington, "Mistress" with Robert De Niro, Eddie Murphy's "The Distinguished Gentleman" and "To Sleep with Anger.